Solon urges Congress to probe SONA walkout

MANILA — A lawmaker yesterday asked the ethics committee of the House of Representatives to investigate the walkout of seven party-list representatives before the the delivery of President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.

“It was an act of disrespect not only to the President but also to the people they represent,” Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo said, as quoted in a Philippine Star report.

The lawmakers including Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna, Luzviminda Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela, Terry Ridon of Kabataan, Fernando Hicap of Anakpawis and Antonio Tinio of Alliance of Concerned Teachers, walked out of the session hall before the president was ushered in to deliver his speech.

Meanwhile, Ridon stood in defense of the group stressing their right to refuse listening to the President’s speech, particularly his defense against the DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program).

“We are well within our right to refuse hearing the President’s continuing and obstinate defense of the DAP ,” he said.

The said lawmakers were the endorsers of a total of three separate impeachment complaints filed by several groups and private citizens against the president.

The groups who petitioned were led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo.